Publications
The experience of West African floods 2007-2008
July 14 2009by West and Central Africa Zone & RC/RC Climate Centre
In early May of this year the International Research Institute for Climate and Society 
(IRI) of New York’s Columbia University, a IFRC partner, issued its “JAS” (July, August, September) precipitation forecast, indicating high probability of “above-normal” rainfall over West Africa. It also spoke of a “highly enhanced likelihood” of precipitation extremes centred on Senegal and Gambia.
These were not directly forecasts of floods but of heavy rain. The science of hydrology is required to relate the probabilities of one to the other. In response, the IFRC Zone for West and Central Africa held a flood preparedness meeting in Dakar from 13–15 May to explore disaster preparedness, including early warning systems, and the need for adaptation to the increasing risk of disasters due to climate change. A major outcome of this was a new blueprint, based on lessons learned from the 2007 floods, to develop contingency plans, risk maps for individual countries, an early-warning system, additional partnerships, and better coordination for preparedness and disaster mitigation. Read full document 
(pdf, 1 MB).
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Main topics:
- Disaster Management
- Health and Care
- Early warning early action
- Advocacy
- Communications
- Community risk reduction
- Youth
- Getting started
Disaster Management
Climate change can act as a catalyst for enhanced disaster management.
Health and Care
Many national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies will be touched by the health implications of climate change.
Early warning early action
Routinely taking humanitarian action before a disaster or health emergency happens, making full use of scientific information on all timescales.
Advocacy
The Red Cross and Red Crescent never works in isolation. Partnerships are more important than ever in the context of global warming.
Communications
The global climate is changing and the past no longer explains the present.
Community risk reduction
The Red Cross and Red Crescent has traditionally focused on response. But now other aspects, including risk reduction, are also given priority.
Youth
Red Cross Red Crescent youth take action to reduce the impacts of climate change.
Getting started
The Red Cross Red Crescent has a growing body of experience working on addressing climate change. Here’s how to use it to get started.
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